The Business Times
business-time-50

Singapore court rejects appeal to gain control of US$1.5b sustainable development fund

Litigants cannot hope to prevail by simply shoehorning a claim into the ESG space, says lawyer

google-preferred-sourceAdd BT as a preferred source
Michelle Quah

Michelle Quah

Published Mon, Sep 19, 2022 · 06:53 PM
    • This case is believed to be the first time a representative action of this nature and magnitude has been brought before Singapore’s highest court, and has implications for similar actions in the future. (PHOTO: ST)
    • While the law may need to evolve as the conversation around ESG matures, as this case demonstrates, litigants cannot hope to prevail by simply shoehorning a claim into the ESG space, said Mark Seah, co-head of Dentons Rodyk’s commercial litigation practice. (PHOTO: Dentons Rodyk)
    • This case is believed to be the first time a representative action of this nature and magnitude has been brought before Singapore’s highest court, and has implications for similar actions in the future. (PHOTO: ST) PHOTO: BT FILE
    • While the law may need to evolve as the conversation around ESG matures, as this case demonstrates, litigants cannot hope to prevail by simply shoehorning a claim into the ESG space, said Mark Seah, co-head of Dentons Rodyk’s commercial litigation practice. (PHOTO: Dentons Rodyk) PHOTO: DENTONS RODYK

    A US$1.5 billion claim against a Singapore company that involved seeking redress for some 150,000 people affected by environmental damage in Papua New Guinea has been shot down yet again – the latest episode in a 3-decade legal saga.

    The most recent development came in the form of the Singapore Court of Appeal’s decision on Thursday (Sep 15) to uphold an earlier High Court decision from last year to strike out the claim.

    The claim was filed as a representative action against the Singapore-registered public company PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNG), on behalf of members of certain communities in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea that had been adversely affected by environmental damage caused by a gold and copper mine there.

    ESGClimate changeLawsuits

    TRENDING NOW

    (From left) Dushan county’s ambitious Shuisi Building project and an unfinished, full-scale replica of the Titanic in Daying county.

    Abandoned ‘Titanic’, failing ‘ancient towns’: Why China’s tourism boom leaves white elephants behind

    Siranudh Scott had caused an internet sensation with a video accusing his brother of allegedly abusing him during his childhood years.

    ‘I felt like dying’: Thai Singha beer scion speaks up after disclosure of alleged sexual abuse

    Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed Talal first threw his lot in with Elon Musk in 2022.

    SpaceX surge further boosts Saudi billionaire prince’s fortune

    Total employment's expansion in Q1 is underpinned by stronger resident employment gains.

    Singapore’s total employment growth slows in Q1; job vacancies dip while retrenchments inch up

    Latest T-bills Treasury Bills Results & Interest NewsLatest SSB Singapore Savings Bonds NewsLatest COE Certificate of Entitlement News
    Latest Johor-Singapore SEZ NewsLatest BTO Build To Order & Sales of Balance NewsLatest STI Straits Times Index NewsLatest SGX Dividends, Share Price NewsLatest Bonds Market NewsLatest Singapore Stocks To Buy NewsLatest Singapore Economy News
    View More